Wi-Fi Module Dual Interface Mediator for IoT Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices connected to a wireless communication network face challenges in maintaining continuous connectivity with an access point (AP) while supporting the connection of other devices to the network, which is crucial for reliable operation in IoT environments.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a single Wi-Fi module can connect to an access point (AP) of another electronic device through the Wi-Fi module without disconnecting communication with a previously connected AP, allowing it to act as a mediator and maintain connectivity with both the enrollee and the enroller devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic device connects to a new access point to support IoT device registration, then the device can act as a mediator for network connection, but the device must disconnect from its previously connected AP, causing communication interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The Wi-Fi module is divided into two independent communication interfaces: a first communication interface for Wi-Fi station mode (connecting to APs) and a second communication interface for Wi-Fi Direct mode (direct device-to-device communication). This segmentation allows each interface to operate independently without interfering with the other, enabling the device to maintain connection to the original AP while simultaneously establishing a direct connection with the IoT device for mediation purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single Wi-Fi module is designed to perform multiple functions through its dual interfaces: it can simultaneously operate as a Wi-Fi station (connecting to infrastructure APs) and as a Wi-Fi Direct peer (establishing direct connections with other devices). This multi-functionality allows the electronic device to serve both as a normal network client and as a mediator for IoT device registration, eliminating the need to choose between connection modes.
2Device complexity
If a single Wi-Fi module is used to reduce device complexity, then the device structure is simplified, but the device cannot maintain simultaneous connections to multiple access points
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interfaces within the single Wi-Fi module are designed to dynamically switch between different operational modes. The first interface can dynamically establish and maintain Wi-Fi station connections, while the second interface can dynamically establish Wi-Fi Direct connections. This dynamic capability allows the single Wi-Fi module to adapt to different connection scenarios and maintain multiple simultaneous connections without requiring multiple physical modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device acts as an intermediary between IoT devices and the Wi-Fi network. By using the second communication interface for Wi-Fi Direct connection with the IoT device and the first interface for connection to the AP, the device mediates the registration process without requiring multiple physical Wi-Fi modules. The intermediary role is enabled by the dual-interface architecture within a single module.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an electronic device including a Wi-Fi module and a processor. The Wi-Fi module includes circuitry including a first communication interface operating as a Wi-Fi station and configured to perform communication, and a second communication interface configured to perform communication based on Wi-Fi Direct. The processor is configured to execute at least one instruction. The processor is configured to: control the Wi-Fi module to set an operation mode of the second communication interface to a first mode for performing communication by operating as the Wi-Fi station, and perform communication connection with a second access point (AP) via the second communication interface in the first mode while connection with a first AP is maintained through the first communication interface.